And having to watch bitter rivals Newcastle United emerge as realistic title contenders hasn't made seeing their own side's shortcomings easier to stomach.

So this afternoon's Stadium of Light clash has taken on even greater significance for those on the red and white side of the Wear-Tyne divide.

"It'll certainly put a smile back on people's faces if we win this afternoon - and a home win against Newcastle is long overdue for Sunderland," said Martyn McFadden, editor of fanzine A Love Supreme.

"Winning at St James's Park has been a platform to progress for us for the last couple of years - but we need a win to save our season.

"Sunderland have been awful to watch since August really - the football has been dire and there's been precious little entertainment.

"We haven't won a home game this year and today is the time to put that right."

McFadden admits Newcastle's rapid progress this term has made Sunderland's failure to fulfil their potential tougher to take - and made defeat this afternoon unthinkable.

"We haven't lost to Newcastle for nearly six years - a draw wouldn't be a disaster for us, but is no good to them if they've genuine Championship aspirations," he said.

"We've been top dogs in the North East for the last two years and they've been poor - but Newcastle have shown what can be achieved if you spend a few quid.

"They spent £10 million on a winger, £6 million on a striker and, to keep the momentum going, more than our club record fee on an 18-year-old midfielder.

"It have could all counted for nothing, but you only have to look at the league table to see it's paid off in the long run."

Peter Daykin, editor of Sunderland fanzine Sex and Chocolate Aren't As Good As Football agrees today's game has added spice.

But he doesn't believe beating Newcastle is generally the be-all-and-end-all for fans anymore.

"Having finished seventh in the last two seasons we hoped for great things this season - the fact we've gone backwards while they've gone forwards has given the game greater significance," Daykin said.

" I could take losing both games to Newcastle if it meant Sunderland winning some silverware or getting into Europe - after all it's only a year since we beat them but nearer 30 years since we last won anything worth winning."